SARS-CoV-2 bioaerosol transmission in experimentally infected American mink
Rasmus Malmgren1, Vinaya Venkat2,3, Jenni Virtanen2,3
1Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, Helsinki, 00790, Finland. rasmus.malmgren@helsinki.fi.
Abstract:
The SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 (Omicron) variant, which emerged in late 2021, is more transmissible than earlier variants but causes milder symptoms in humans. Mink farms, where animals are housed in close quarters, present a high risk for virus transmission and mutation, necessitating strict control measures due to documented cases of mink-to-human and human-to-mink transmission. Hence, we aimed to detect infectious airborne SARS-CoV-2 using BioSampler-air collectors and to investigate aerosol transmission between groups of American mink (Neovison vison). Two groups (male and female) were infected with the BA.1 variant, and samples were collected from aerosols, saliva, feces, and surfaces. The results indicated that infectious viruses were predominantly detected in aerosol samples over a three-day period in both groups. Surface, saliva, and fecal samples also showed potential for virus transmission. Notably, infectious viruses were cultivated from aerosol samples, confirming aerosol transmission among American mink. This study highlights the importance of immediate sample culturing to improve infectious virus detection and emphasizes the need for enhanced preventive measures on mink farms to mitigate the spread of viruses.
Insights
The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 can spread through the air in mink farms. This study confirms airborne transmission in mink, highlighting the need for enhanced biosecurity measures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- The SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 (Omicron) variant exhibits high transmissibility.
- Mink farms pose significant risks for zoonotic virus transmission and mutation due to close animal housing.
- Previous instances of mink-to-human and human-to-mink transmission necessitate stringent control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect infectious airborne SARS-CoV-2 using BioSampler-air collectors.
- To investigate aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 variant between groups of American mink (Neovison vison).
Main Methods:
- Two groups of American mink (male and female) were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 variant.
- Samples were collected from aerosols, saliva, feces, and surfaces.
- Infectious virus detection involved immediate sample culturing.
Main Results:
- Infectious SARS-CoV-2 was predominantly detected in aerosol samples from both mink groups over a three-day period.
- Surface, saliva, and fecal samples also indicated potential for virus transmission.
- Cultivation of infectious viruses from aerosol samples confirmed airborne transmission among mink.
Conclusions:
- Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is a significant concern in American mink populations.
- Immediate sample culturing is crucial for accurate detection of infectious viruses.
- Enhanced preventive measures are essential on mink farms to mitigate viral spread and potential zoonotic transmission.
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